A very important and immeasurable strength of Art is its capacity to foster unreserved unity among its patrons through a lingering memory gust of beauty, uniqueness and class that can be reminisced, felt and appreciated. The Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu Schools Festival (HIASFEST) has continued to soar as the most comprehensive and rewarding schools festival in Africa and yet to be matched by any. The event was initiated by Alhaji Abdullahi Bala Kwatu to immortalize of Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu, the late wife of Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, the Sardaunan Minna.
The festival comprises of contests in On-the-spot Poetry, On-the-spot Short Story Writing, On-the-spot Literary Essay, Cultural Dance, On-the-spot Painting, Quiz, Craft, Spoken Word, Contemporary Song and most recently the Drama Category. The festival also awards tuition scholarships for two students in tertiary institution (Art and Science) as well as other special awards that include: Golden Awards for four distinguished Art Administrators in Nigeria, Best Awards for Male and Female Teachers; Most Valuable contestants for male and female contestants; HIASFEST Star Prize and awards for the overall winning schools. The Festival also awards National Literary Prizes such as: the Nigerian Prize for Teen Authors in Prose and Poetry, The Nigerian Prize for Indigenous Languages of Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Nupe and Gbagyi for Creative works and Science books. The Festival is administered by the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation in Niger State, Nigeria.
The third edition of the Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu Schools Festival (HIASFEST) held from the 8th-11th of January 2021 at the prestigious Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre rode on the wings of beauty and thrived on the colours of inclusiveness creating memories that time cannot easily erode. It was a place of convergence for teenagers in Nigeria and also a place of intense competition and reward. It is safe to say that there is no schools festival as rewarding and all encompassing as HIASFEST in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. The four day events saw schools and individuals coming from Abuja, Gombe, Taraba, Benue, Bayelsa, Edo, Osun, Kaduna, Lagos, Kano, and Ilorin to grace the event and also compete. Others who could not give their presence also followed online through Facebook live. A total of thirty-five (35) schools competed in the various categories. They are:
- Gombe High School, Gombe State.
- Jewel Model Secondary School, Kubwa, Abuja.
- Barakat Community Secondary School, Ilorin.
- Afokpela Secondary School, Edo State.
- Helena Heritage Academy, Taraba.
- Government Science Secondary School, Gombe.
- Jibwis Islamic Science Secondary School, Gombe.
- Khalid Imam Academy, Kano.
- Government Girls College, Benue.
- Government Science College, Kontagora.
- Community Secondary School, Bayelsa.
- Day Secondary School, Limawa, Minna.
- Government Army Day Secondary School, Minna.
- Government Girls Day Secondary School, Lapai.
- Happy Day International School, Minna.
- Clement Secondary School, Minna.
- Model Secondary School (FUT), Minna.
- Hill-Top Model School, Minna.
- Challenge International School, Minna
- Bosso Secondary School, Minna.
- Diamond Global Academy, Minna.
- Fomwan School, Minna.
- Upper Niger River Basin Staff School, Minna.
- El-Bethel Academy, Minna.
- New Horizons College, Minna.
- Legend International School, Minna.
- Himma International Collegfe, Minna.
- Maryam Babangida Girls Science College, Minna.
- Father O’Connel Science College, Minna.
- Nasfah Academy, Minna.
- Government Science College, Tunga, Minna.
- Day Secondary School, Barkin-sale, Minna.
- Day Secondary School (B), Chanchaga, Minna.
- Zarumai Model School, Minna.
- Government Girls Secondary School, Kafinkoro.
Similarly, the calibre of judges for the event such as Aminu S Muhammad, Paul Liam, Isaac Ogezi, Bash Amuneni, Halima Aliyu, Omoba Jerry Adesewo, Oche Akor and others increased the credibility of the event. HIASFEST 2021, jointly sponsored by Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu and the Aliyu Trust Foundation only meant that there was more prizes to be carted away.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony came alive at around 10:00am with the arrival of the Initiator, Alhaji Abdullahi Bala Kwatu, Amina Nasir, the representative of Aliyu Trust Foundation, the co-sponsor of the festival and other important guests like the Representative of Minister of Education and Registrar National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Godswill Obioma, the Deputy Provost, FCE Kontagora Dr Yahaya Ubandoma, Alhaji Jibrin Ndace, the representative of the Publisher, Blueprint Newspaper, Curator TedX Minna, Suleiman Isah, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abubakar Aliyu, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, members of the Ibrahim Aliyu family, and others.
OPENING SPEECH BY BM DZUKOGI,FOUNDER, HILL-TOP CREATIVE ARTS FOUNDATION.
He presented a speech on the topic:HIASFEST is an African Vision
We have always dreamed of a platform where we can that our capacities can craft a profound artistic vision from Minna and go on to erect it for the benefit of mankind, especially children. Sometimes, we become enamoured in such visions that we think we are the only bearers of such profound ideas until Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu walked himself into us to also prove that human thoughts are more than 90% alike, wherever they live on earth. What makes a distinguishing difference is that strength of their wills to pursue the visions they carry. This is why some societies are greater than others; they are greater because of the strength of their wills to push their dreams beyond the ordinary.
HIASFEST, although established in memory of Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu, is pusdhing the Nigerian Child in secondary schools to get to the limit of their potentials in order to make our country great, once again. Countries are great because of the flourishing potentials of their young ones who grow into adulthood with such potentials well-horned.
This is largely attainable through the volunteering spirit of adults who possess the will to create charitable platforms such as this as opportunities for every child of the society to access, for the growth of his potentials. If HIASFEST hadn’t been set, who would have brought children from Taraba, Yobe, Benue, Edo, Kano, Abuja, Gombe, Osun, Lagos and other places to meet themselves in Niger. And to demonstrate the beauty of HIASFEST, Sunday was to be the arrival date but we had to stop Benue contingents comprising of three schools from arriving on Tuesday, Abuja and Benue arrived on Saturday. See how the spirit isa building up in the children and their teachers. Helena Academy, Jalingo, was the first to register in November 2020 for this year’s edition.
Therefore, we are profoundly grateful to Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu for initiating HIASFEST and the Aliyu Trust Foundation for bearing two-third of the financial burden of this year’s edition with the sum of N10, 000,000 in prizes, bonuses and other organisational requirements. The cost is more than this; more so, Corona didn’t spare any sector in Nigeria. Alh. Bala had started spending before the intervention from Aliyu Trust Foundation. He said: I will never forget the good, the sponsorships I enjoyed from her and the family.
Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation is immensely happy that it has found an event of huge proportion to organise, in Nigeria. Before the coming of HIASFEST we prided ourselves as the leaders in teen arts, in the country. It is true we are. Nowhere else in Nigeria do you find a place like the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation. If you see any, we are the one. We are the one because, we have flourishing branches in 12 states in the country. Boys and girls are saying, we lead in teen arts, in Africa. They have every reason to say so. Our activities are distinctively numerous. And HIASFEST has come to escalate our reach, prestige, glamour and invincibility. May Allah bless the Aliyu family the more.
To prove our worth in Africa, we have commenced talking to the secretary-General of Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) on seeing how to enlist some West African countries to attend the 2022 edition. This is in line with the inaugural speech of Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu who wanted what he was starting to be for the world. His vision for HIASFEST only came to meet our vision and we are immeasurably pleased with the marriage. Saddiq Dzukogi is in the US as a Doctoral student of Creative Writing. Being in the US is not the issue. He is one of those considered as the new generation African poets as a published author. Hauwa Shafii Nuhu is joining him as the second Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation member to get enlisted as a New Generation African Poet. Others are there too. Our members will rule the world, Insha Allah.
Alh. Bala, Aliyu Trust Foundation, Urban Shelter Ltd and her integrating subsidiaries as well as their friends elsewhere have greater roles to play in the unfolding art phenomenon in Minna where the eyes of the world’s best would look in our direction and help to redirect the minds of our teenagers towards good and creativity. It is our innovation and sound structures that will bring them here. Before then, let us put up structures that will sustain HIASFEST, first. The major sustaining factor of this profound festival is to build an endowment for it.
Do it now because everything goes: fathers go, brothers go, sisters go, wives go, husbands go, children go, riches go, poverty goes, everything goes except charity and good work. When we go, we meet charities in heaven. Meanwhile, its seed continues to grow on earth, for you. HIASFEST is charity, one big charity that its value is limitless.
Also, apart from endowing the festival, Also, apart from endowing the festival, our need to look at the issue of accommodation for students coming from outside Niger State. Public schools are generally helpless in Nigeria. Therefore, it was thoughtful of Alh. Bala Abdullahi Kwatu asked us to build-in bonuses for schools to support their participation in this year’s edition. We therefore advise that a low-cost HIASFEST Arena be built which will consist of dormitories that could be put to use as a guest arena which schools could use during the festival with a minimum cost or even free. If you like, the Arena should be such that it has the capacity to attract young people with programmes that will modify their characters and increase their capacities for good. Something like a place for leadership and citizenship training for young people in Nigeria and Africa.
And to the contestants, many of you have exhibited the tendency of great men and women already. Please, stay the course. Increase your capacities by reading and working hard without waiting for anyone. Make the sponsors happy by showing exceptional brilliance in what you do, outside HIASFEST. This way, the sponsors become more encouraged to do more. Be good all the time.
Last year, we asked of our father, the Sardauna Minna that he should be HIASFEST Residency for Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation which he said I should tell Hajiya Sadiya. I did. We kept talking. I told Alh. Muktar too. We sent a design which they acknowledged. However, something happened which they acknowledged. However, something happened which caused a suspension of the talk. I am sure it will resume today.
Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation is building an art arena in Hill-Top Model School, Minna, Niger State Government, through the Ministry of Education, has ceded a piece a piece of land to us to build it. Of course, we have no money to do so but we have tremendous goodwill from well-wishers. Senator Muhammad Sani Musa has promised to build a mini library for us there. Hon. Saidu Musa Abdul is bringing a creative writing for us there. It is a block of two classrooms. Others have called that they are coming too. In dream, we look good, already. The Residency is primary to bringing international artists and writers to Minna. We are currently soliciting for fund and building materials from the public to erect a fence round the place for us to commence planting trees when the rains come. Volunteers do not have to give us money, come and build it yourself. Everything we ask for, come and build yourself. We don’t need the money, we need the structures. We have all the designs.
May the sponsors of the activities of the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation be adequately rewarded on earth, an in heaven: Abdulberqy, Ahmed Babangida, Engr. Ibrahim Dada, Alh. Ibrahim Balarabe Kagara, Abdulrahman JG and many others, May Allah reward you for supporting the Nigerian child through us. Our NGO does not belong to Hill-Top Model School, it is ours. We are only resident there.
Finally, if I do not get to this point next year, it’s all well; EVERYTHING GOES, in the end. Praise be to Allah, Who grant us time to live and function on earth, by His mercies and inspirations. Peace, dear children. I love you all! You know I do. Thank you.
The speech threw a curtain of emotion on everyone and many expressed their tears. The next person on the line of Speech presentation was the Chief sponsor of the event.
Speech by the INITIATOR, HIASFEST: Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu
I want to begin by acknowledging the courage and hard work of all the participants of the 2021 edition. Unlike the other editions of the past; this year’s edition faced many obstacles and was almost cancelled. Unfortunately, the world has been greatly troubled by the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in a negative shift in the global economy and most importantly lost of many lives. In this regard I will like to recognise how lucky we all are to be here in sound health.
I pray to the Almighty that we overcome this pandemic the way we overcame others in the past, so that we continue life as we knew it. Amin. We also pray that Allah grants the victims who are in hospitals or homes receiving treatment quick recovery and may He also forgive the souls of the departed. Amin.
Students, while commending your courage of aspiration to showcase your talent, let me remind you that the essence of this gathering is to trigger that talent in you which we believe can proffer solution to this type of situation we find ourselves in today.
We are a witness to the danger posed by Covid-19 and are also aware of the hard work other nations are putting in to come up with the vaccines.
With your numerous untapped talents and relentless hard work, I can confidently challenge you students that going forward, it’s high time solutions come from our end instead of always being the recipients. I without a doubt believe you can!
Now to the exciting part, this year’s event comes with new awards and prizes. We introduced more prizes to widen participation. Indigenous languages such as Hausa, Nupe, Igbo, Gbagyi and Yoruba have been added to the menu of competition. As we expand our aspiration to international standard, we anticipate in the next edition to incorporate Swahili and Fulfude. Others awards are best students in NECO, SSCE and JAMB.
We are also working on creating synergistic environment where the potentials of the science and technology will be harnessed for the ultimate benefit of this great nation. Currently, we are building an E-learning Centre at Government Day Secondary School Minna, where upon completion, the centre will transform the lives of our children from just participating blindly on social media to becoming champions of the new world of information and technology, we want to see children participating in the creation of animation, cartoon designs, graphical designs and many more technology related activities.
Finally, I cannot conclude this speech without recognizing the Aliyu Trust Foundation (ATF) as co-sponsor of HIASFEST. ATF was set up by the household of Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu to undertake humanitarian services. The active participation of ATF has indeed been a booster to HIASFEST. Any interested sponsors are highly welcome in the future.
On this note, I will like to thank you all for your time and I wish all the participants of HIASFEST 2021 best of luck.
SPEECH BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ALIYU TRUST FOUNDATION
Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen, permit me to stand on the existing protocols. My name is Amina Nasir, the Coordinator for Aliyu Trust Foundation. I would like to introduce the Aliyu Trust Foundation which is a non profit organization with headquarter in Abuja. The Foundation has supported and will continue to support women, children, and the needy in various capacities. The Foundation has also sponsored by way of scholarships to students of various institute and provided developmental structures in locations where in its impact on the lives of the people of that environment. I welcome everyone here today who have come to grace this 3rd edition of the HIASFEST program to immortalize late Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu, may Allah Grant her Aljannah Firdaus, Amin. HIASFEST is a yearly event with participants drawn from various schools and states. We at the Aliyu Trust Foundation are proud to be part and co-sponsor of this event. As the program kick-start today, I would like to wish all the participants good luck as we look forward to the emerging winners and beneficiaries of scholarships and awardees for the upcoming award ceremony. Once again I welcome all present and all the participants, young, energetic and talented leaders of tomorrow. Can I hear leaders of tomorrow!
Finally, a heartfelt appreciation on behalf of Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu’s family the founders of Aliyu Trust Foundation. Thank you.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
The keynote address was delivered by Zakkiyah Dzukogi,representing the keynote speaker, Mujaheed Ameen Lilo
Developing Teenage Creativity: A Trigger to the Pursuit of Dreams
Keynote Address delivered at the Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu Schools Festivals 3rd Edition at the Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna on the 8th of February, 2021.
I’m extremely delighted to be here, before all of you important and lovely people. This is an exceptionally great day for me, because of the spirit it pulsates with, and the history it’s intended to carve.
At the inauguration ceremony of the new US President, Biden, a young poet of 22 read a poem titled The Hill We Climb. It was a serious moment, more so for considering what the Americans have passed through over the years where recently havoc was wrecked on the main symbol of their prestige, their democracy. A great task ahead of the sworn president and his vice, and indeed all Americans. As literature has always been an integral part of the American Dream, that was a performance that lit the iridescence of dreams in the eyes of all people, reminding them of the fact that democracy can be delayed but undefeated. It’s a masterpiece, with many quotable lines. And in Amanda we see the reward of developing one’s creativity at early years and the power of dreams. She, a black girl, dreams of becoming president and had the honor of reciting poetry for one.
This may sound like a personal topic but it sure doesn’t escape the powerful political philosophies that are everywhere under the sun. So permit me to remind us of how the atmosphere in the country is permeated with an air of despair and hopelessness. In our journey as a nation, we seem to have missed a lot along the way. So to give the country a sense of direction and focus, we’ve to turn to the teenagers, to help them in developing their creativity which shall trigger them to pursue their dreams in life and which will equally help, as creative people are wont to do, in socio political and economic endevours, vis-a-vis national development.
To the adults here, the challenge before us is to instill the missing fundamentals in the younger generation; those that have the singular privilege of being born and bred, living and growing under democratic dispensation. In truth, they should be our golden generation.
A common refrain among every civilization is the need for creativity. A nation’s dream can become a reality if its leaders are creative and navigate the chasm creatively. Do we have a Nigerian Dream as well thought as the American Dream? Many an intellectual and writers have tried to describe a Nigeria Dream. But whatever it is, wherever it is, the dream of a nation couldn’t be more than that of wanting a nation fast progressing, in peace and in unity. Events of the past few years in our nation has shown that both peace and progress are eluding us as a people. It’s necessary for us to ensure an atmosphere under which the younger generations are free from any sort of maltreatment bordering on discrimination based on ethnicity, place of origin, etcetera. We cannot institutionalize the ‘Us versus Them’ dichotomy and expect our innocent ones not to turn brooding fellows nursing ill feelings of resentment towards the designated other. We need to steer our younger ones away from these antithetical considerations. We must create a conducive atmosphere under which every citizen will have ample opportunity to develop their creativity, pursue their dreams, make use of their talents and harness their potentials maximally.
And regarding the teenagers, one thing that often besets a teenager is the quest for independence and self-discovery. This quest as a result puts them at the mercy of an ever-changing world; a world which appears filled with constant challenges and decisions which come with inescapable repercussions.
Also challenging is the extent at which the Nigerian teenagers seem to have run short of proper role models to follow. Gone were the days when a teenager picks role models of high moral and intellectual repute.
Today, teenagers select role models from the mediocre pop culture artists whom they see every day on television, the internet and magazines. The basis on which they pick role models these days is based on popularity on the social media. The social media has now become a social malady for most teenagers. Its damaging effect is directly being reflected in the lifestyles of the current generation. Massive time is being wasted online on less productive things, sharing of photos and vulgar jokes.
But here in Niger State, we the have Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation. Can we give ourselves a round of applause please? Here, young people are mentored by reputable adults. Last year saw the spreading of Hill-Top’s tentacles as branches were inaugurated in other states like Kano, Benue, Kaduna and even the capital city Abuja. By this gigantic stride, a lot of teenagers will no longer now be left at the mercy of their undiscovered minds as they’ll now be connected with influential creative minds.
Human existence doesn’t seem to be configured to thrive in irrational self-isolationism. Without doubt, the human species are social animals designed to progress and tackle their challenges effectively only through sincere cooperation, and when we fully realize the urgent need to transform our natural self-love into empathy for others. This much we know last year when the Covid 19 pandemic kicked in which showed us that the destiny of humanity is dependent on what our collective yearning seeks to reflect in our societies. And that’s why the Hill Top foundation has been firing on, as a family.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, one of Nigeria’s most successful writers of today, has had stories to tell about developing her creativity in her teens. That says a lot, if we think about it. Now is the time, dear teenagers, to build that foundation, to start pursuing our dreams.
Allow me please, to end this by reminding you of a line from Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem. ‘While we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us.’
In another vein, the representative of the Blueprint Newspaper appreciated the sponsor and promised to continue to support the event. He also made a donation of two hundred thousand naira to support the course. Other speakers at the event were also glad to be part of the event pledging moral and financial supports.
DAY ONE
The contest began with the Contemporary Song category held by 2:00pm at the main hall of the Idris Legbo Kutigi Auditorium. The category was judged by Emmanuel Dale and Emmanuel Danladi. The audience could not contain their thrill as their ears were serenaded with beautiful tunes that fed the souls to the brim.
The Contemporary song was followed by the writing category; Poetry, Short story and Literary Essay. The event took place at Himma International College, Minna and it was coordinated by Ojo Olumide Emmanuel, assisted by Haneefa Abdulrahman, Anas Dubanni. The Poetry category was judged by Aminu S. Muhammad, and Paul Liam. Short Story was judged by Halima Aliyu while Literary Essay was judged by Dr. Mahmud Tanko.
Day Two
The One-the-spot painting was held at Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation Art Centre. The painters all came to dazzle the spectators. Since it was a still-life drawing, they approached it from different perspectives, angles, and preferences. And their sketching and painting revealed a kind of unique beauty that only HIASFEST could inspire. The event was judged by Francis Sokomba and Awwalu Sakiwa.
The Quiz category was also held at the Art Centre. The event was moderated by Nurudeen Busari, Mustapha Gimba and Maryam Abdullahi. Questions were asked on Science, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Current Affairs.
The newly added category, Drama, came with a bouquet of surprises as the judges were astonished by the rarity of performance by schools for just ten minutes. It was also held at the main hall of the Legbo Kutigi Auditorium. It was judged by Omo’oba Jerry Adesewo, Jibrin Bala Jibrin and Isaac Ogezi.
Day Three
The most important event for many during HIASFEST is the Cultural Dance category. It is so because the manner at which it is performed; the choreography, song, dance steps, drumming, costumes, drama involved and others are not the everyday spectacle one bumps into. The only undoing this year was the introduction of mercenaries to dance or drum. The judges were meticulous to disqualify the schools involved. Nevertheless, the beauty of that category was not marred. It was judged by Femi Olajide Adebiyi and Femi Olajide Salami.
The craft category followed the Cultural Dance. It was a time to show innovation, uniqueness and ingenuity. Schools did not disappoint as their students showcased great sense of craft and novelty. It was judged by David Ndache and Sparrow Timileyin.
Spoken Word was the last competitive event for the day. It provided students with the unique moment to give power and emotion to words. That they are performed gave the piece a greater reach and demonstrated the awareness of the contestants about contemporary issues bedevilling the country.
The day three ended with a night of performance which was held from 8pm till 11pm. The guests from other states were enmeshed in the dramatic performance of a played titled “Abike.”
Day Four
The Day four was the award ceremony and guests could not hide their delight by the performances of students. Since many of the guests were not privileged to follow the event of each day. After the four days, below are the results of the competitive categories and Special awards:
| S/no | Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
| 1 | On-the-spot Poetry Writing | Doris Anyanwu | Khairah Jimoh | Abdulrazak Salihu |
| 2 | On-the-spot Short Story Writing | Aisha Yahaya Sakpe | Festus J. Ocheche | Amoo Precious Olamide |
| 3 | On-the-spot Literary Essay | Ahmad. A. Tugga | Rhoda Legbo | Muhammad Kenu Fatima |
| 4 | On-the-spot Painting | Rosemary Chinenye | Abbas B. Bala | Philip Adavize Samuel |
| 5 | Spoken Word | Diamond Global Academy, Minna | Challenge International School, Minna | Jewel Model Academy, Abuja |
| 6 | Contemporary Song | Gov’t Girls College, Makurdi. | Zarumai Model School, Minna. | St. Clement Sec Sch Gbaiko. |
| 7 | Cultural Dance | Gov’t Girls College, Makurdi. | Zarumai Model School, Minna. | Gov’t Day Science College, Tunga, Minna. |
| 8 | Quiz | Hill-Top Model School, Minna. | Gov’t Girls College, Makurdi. | Himma International College, Minna. |
| 9 | Craft | Himma International College, Minna. | Model Secondary School (FUTMINNA) | Diamond Global Academy, Minna. |
| 10. | Drama | Zarumai Model School, Minna. | Barakat Community Sec Sch, Ilorin. | Gov’t Day Science College, Tunga, Minna. |
| 11 | Overall Winning Schools | Diamond Global Academy, Minna | Model Secondary School (FUTMINNA) | Zarumai Model School, Minna. |
HIASFEST LITERARY AWARDS
- Nigerian Prize for Indigenous Languages
| S/no | Name of Prize | Winner | Prize Amount |
| 1 | Hausa Creative Writing | Aliyu Kamal | N100,000 |
| 2 | Hausa Mathematics Book | Abdulgafar Laro | N150,000 |
| 3 | Igbo Creative Writing | Nze U. Nze | N100,000 |
| 4 | Igbo Mathematics | Agwo E. Okechukwu | N150,000 |
| 5 | Yoruba Creative Writing | Kunle Afolabi | N100,000 |
| 6 | Yoruba Mathematics | Kayode Saka Bashir | N50,000 |
| 7 | Nupe Creative Writing | Gloria Zhiri | N100,000 |
| 8 | Nupe Mathematics | Adamu Idris Manarakis | N100,000 |
- The Nigerian Prize for Teen Authors
(Poetry)
| S/no | Name of Winner | Position | Prize Amount |
| 1 | Zakkiyah Dzukogi | 1st | N150,000 |
| 2 | Sunday Saheed
Khadijah Ummi Muhammad |
2nd
2nd |
N100,000 |
| 3 | Suleiman Adaamu | 3rd | N50,000 |
(Prose)
| S/no | Name of Winner | Position | Prize Amount |
| 1 | Oyeleye Mahmodah | 1st | N150,000 |
| 2 | Testimony Odey | 2nd | N100,000 |
| 3 | Ibrahim Saleh Maina | 3rd | N50,000 |
Tuition Scholarships for Art and Science.
| S/no | Name of Winner | Prize Amount |
| 1 | Hafsat Abdullahi (Art) | N100,000 |
| 2 | Himma International College, Minna. (Winner of Craft Category) | N100,000 |
Special Awards
| S/no | Name of Prize | Name of Winner | Prize Amount |
| 1 | Best Teacher (Female) | Tyokyaa Lucy | N50,000 |
| 2 | Best Teacher (Male) | Kabiru Isah Ekkan | N50,000 |
| 3 | Most Valuable Contestant (Male) | Abdulrazaq Salihu | N100,000 |
| 4 | Most Valuable Contestant (Female | Amoo Precious Olamide | N100,000 |
- HIASFEST Star Prize: Mujaheed Ameen Lilo
- Well-behaved School: Helena Heritage Academy, Taraba.
- Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation Best performing Chapters: Kaduna State and Benue State Branches.
- Golden Awards to Distinguished Nigerian Art Administrator
- Odoh Diego Okenyodo
- Teresa O. Ameh
- Ibrahim Sheme
- Eriata Oribhabor
CONCLUSION
Winners cheered in victory with plagues, trophies, certificates and cash prizes while those who did not win have memories hidden behind the lenses. They also left with inspirations for greater things. The Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu has continued to build momentum and the next edition can only be imagined. The schools that came from other states could not hide their excitement and their delight. It can only be expected that if the security situation and Covid-19 in Nigeria is surmounted, more schools from different states of the federation will mobilize themselves to attend the finale of the subsequent editions. It is also expected that HIASFEST will go international as some African Countries may receive invitations for attendance. With this, HIASFEST will become the taste bud on every lip and the best will be yet to appear.